•The strong Greek word doulos cannot be accurately translated in English as servant or bond servant; the HCSB translates this word as slave, not out of insensitivity to the legitimate concerns of modern English speakers, but out of a commitment to accurately convey the brutal reality of the Roman empire’s inhumane institution as well as the ownership called for by Christ.

In other versions

And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’

At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’

At the time of the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who were invited, ‘Come, because everything is now ready.’

When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’

And he sent his slave at the hour of the banquet to say to those who have been invited, ‘Come, because now it is ready!’

And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.

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